January-February 2012 - The Jewish Georgian

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Page 4 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Seek to understand, not parrot To me, words have almost a sacred quality. They are the essence of interaction, and they are the vehicles by which we communicate, influence, and teach. Words are the ordnance of society. Normally, they are appended to other words to convey a message, and the resulting thought may have a lasting effect. Used properly and understood correctly in the context of the thought, this ordnance becomes a front-line element in the positive development of our world. Words, whether written or spoken, are utterances that are made for the purpose of being received by others. It is important that the messages being conveyed are clear and do the job, but the mirror action to the conveyance of the words is the hearing or reading of the message. Actually, it is the reception and not the speaking that is the purpose of verbalizing thoughts and concepts. Espousal of a position or concept, whether by an advocate or an interested party, does not necessarily validate the position. It is the processing by the recipient of the ideas and thoughts contained in the words that puts “meat on the bone.” Ideally, as objectively as possible, we should listen to the concept being conveyed for the pur- THE Jewish Georgian The Jewish Georgian is published bimonthly by Eisenbot, Ltd. It is written for Atlantans and Georgians by Atlantans and Georgians. Publisher Marvin Botnick Co-Publisher Sam Appel Editor Marvin Botnick Managing Editor Marsha C. LaBeaume Assignment Editor Carolyn Gold Consulting Editor Gene Asher Associate Editor Barbara Schreiber Copy Editor Ray Tapley Assistant Copy Editor Arnold Friedman Makeup Editor Terri Christian Production Coordinator Terri Christian Designer David Gaudio Photographic Staff Allan Scher, Jonathan Paz Graphic Art Consultant Karen Paz Columnist Gene Asher, Jonathan Barach, Janice Rothschild Blumberg, Marvin Botnick, David Geffen, Carolyn Gold, Jonathan Goldstein, R.M. Grossblatt, Marice Katz, Balfoura Friend Levine, Marsha Liebowitz, Bubba Meisa, Erin O’Shinsky, Reg Regenstein, Susan Robinson, Stuart Rockoff, Roberta Scher, Jerry Schwartz, Leon Socol, Rabbi Reuven Stein, Cecile Waronker Special Assignments Lyons Joel Advertising Anne Bender Ruby Grossblatt Rochelle Solomon Editorial Advisory Board Members Sam Appel Rabbi Alvin Sugarman Sam Massell Jane Axelrod Albert Maslia William Rothschild Gil Bachman Michael H. Mescon Marilyn Shubin Asher Benator Paul Muldawer Doug Teper 8495 Dunwoody Place, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30350 (404) 236-8911 • FAX (404) 236-8913 jewishga@bellsouth.net www.jewishgeorgian.com The Jewish Georgian ©2012 BY Marvin Botnick pose of learning and as a method of understanding, but not necessarily agreeing with, the thought and position being put forth. A basic question that society in general and each of us individually should ask is: “Do we read and converse to confirm or to learn?” I remember when I was taking a world history course in high school in the early 50s, one of our assignments was to read the Communist Manifesto. While this was the height of the Cold War, the school had taken the position that for its students to understand the conflict, it was necessary to learn something of the system against which we were struggling, rather than blithely mouthing the buzzwords of the day in condemnation. The school, which was located in a small town of less than 3,000 people, had a rather extensive library of its own, but since in that facility there were only four copies of the Manifesto and there were many more students that were assigned the reading, getting a copy presented a problem. Right across the street from the school library was the township library, so I went over there to see if it had a copy I could check out. The school was located not too far from Salem, Massachusetts, and the reaction I got to the request for the publication made me feel that I had been transported back to the late 1600s confronting a tribunal at the Salem witch trials. An understanding of the need to read to learn was not a concept to which they subscribed. I n Chapter 13 of Histories of Heresy in E a r l y Modern Europe, it is reported that, “[Martin] Luther’s translation of the Bible, indeed the very act of translating it establishes the true moment of rupture with the Catholic Church.” At that time, the Bible was almost universally written and read in Latin, which was a language of the Church but not used or understood by the general population. Luther’s translation into the language of the people now made it possible for the words and content to be A basic question that society in general and each of us individually should ask is: “Do we read and converse to confirm or to learn?” The Georgia Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCFA) will present its 21st Annual Torch Gala at the InterContinental Buckhead, in Atlanta, 7:00 p.m., January 28. For the past 20 years, this dinner dance, which includes a silent auction and raffle, has been the largest single fundraiser of the year for the Georgia Chapter. With a mission to cure and prevent Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis through research and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support, the Torch Gala has raised over $5.1 million to date. Atlanta residents Ann and Jay Davis and their son, Richard, are the 2012 Torch Gala Citizens of the Year. The Davises are devoted fundraisers, volunteers, and advocates for CCFA. Over the years, they have joined planning committees, engaged in grassroots fundraising efforts, and participated in each special event and campaign. Recognizing the importance of research, the Davis family played an integral role in establishing the groundwork for the Human Gut Microbiome Initiative by being the first major donors to the project. Through this initiative, CCFA is able to empower more scientists to study the intestinal community of microbes, therefore furthering the accomplishments in the field of inflammatory bowel disease research. “It is an honor for our family to be chosen as CCFA’s Torch Gala Citizens of the Year,” says Jay Davis. “We consider the Georgia chapter part of our extended family, and we will continue to do what we can to further the advancement of research.” The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) was founded in 1967 and is the only nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding a cure for digested by the individual rather than having to rely on directives of others. The individuals were now able to interpret for themselves the meaning and message of the text. Literacy, especially in the developed world, is common; however, the search for understanding does not seem to be as universal. Although we are inundated by untold missives and publications, many of us chose only to rely on those that support a position to which we already adhere. We seek validation, not insight and understanding. We are the inheritors of a rich tradition of study and learning, which has become almost an innate characteristic. The intense search for truths and meanings has consumed our people for centuries, and while it was originally directed primarily to religious issues, the format was continued into secular matters. But never has the average person been so overwhelmed with the flood of communiqués as has now become possible with the modern methods. For whatever reason, the communication revolution we are experiencing, which could grow to an impact level equal to the Industrial Revolution, has been conscripted by many as a tool to service personal goals. More so than ever, it is now imperative that we seek out all sides of an issue and not limit our perspective to sources that coalesce with others of a similar bent. Honor the impact of words; “Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech” (Psalms 34:14); search for truths; seek understanding of issues and people, rather than questionable validation; and try to understand the true motivation of sources of “information.” Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation presents 21st Annual Torch Gala Richard Davis (from left), Ann Davis, and Jay Davis Steve Goodman (from left), Katie Goodman, Richard Davis, Ann Davis, Jay Davis, Matt Lieberman, and Elizabeth Lieberman Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two very painful and life-long digestive diseases. There is no known cure for these intestinal diseases, which can have lifethreatening complications. Approximately 1.5 million Americans are living with these diseases. Individual reservations for the Torch Gala begin at $300. Table sponsorships are available. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact CCFA Development Manager Amy Suiter at 404-982-0616 or asuiter@ccfa.org.
January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 5 What’s HAPPENING SO LONG, STEVIE, TILL WE MEET AGAIN. We will really miss our friend Steven E. Weinstein, 68, a native Atlantan, whom we lost in early January. A retired real estate and transportation executive, Stevie, as he was known to his countless friends, devoted his final years to his loving wife, Jackie, and his beloved family and several charities, especially Camp Sunshine, which provides recreation to children with cancer. His daughters, Julie and Alyson, said, “We will all remember how much fun he was. His love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. His love for the Georgia Bulldogs, Athens, Willie Nelson, The White House restaurant, The Varsity, and Camp Sunshine. “He loved being with his friends, with whom he was beyond generous. He was a giving, sweet, loyal family man and friend. A dedicated Georgia Bulldog fan. He loved Atlanta.” Stevie’s oldest and best friend, Steve Selig, remembered him as “the kindest, gentlest person I have ever known. He loved his family and friends. Other than being with them, his happiest time was being at Sanford Stadium, watching his beloved Bulldogs play between the Hedges.” Stevie was one of a kind; his friendship is irreplaceable; it’s hard to imagine what it will be like without him. Steve Weinstein with his grandchildren SAM MASSELL HONORED AND SERE- NADED. Former Atlanta Mayor and current Buckhead Mayor Sam Massell, much in demand as a public speaker, is known for his wit and inspirational insights. He gives about 50 talks a year, he says, “almost always about the community I nurture in my full-time position as president of the Buckhead Coalition,” never accepting honorariums, but instead referring them to local charities. His Honor is also a very sensitive and vulnerable guy, though you wouldn’t always know it. He was lamenting to us the other day that a couple of people in the BY Reg Regenstein audience actually fell asleep during his talk to an unspecified senior citizens’ group, which he attributed to the heavy breakfast served that morning. To us, the important thing is that most of the people stayed awake, and no one angrily stalked out, as has happened to us in the past when we were receiving such speaking invitations. (On the other hand, there’s nothing wrong with helping us old folks take a little nap every now and then, and so many of our readers tell us our column helps them fall asleep at night as they read it in bed.) Still, if Sam wants everyone to stay awake, alert, and on the edge of their chairs, we suggest he bring along those two gorgeous, talented, and exciting women in his life: his wife, Doris, and his daughter, Melanie, neither of whom has ever put anyone to sleep. When the legendary Georgian Terrace Hotel recently celebrated its one-hundredth anniversary, it invited to a black-tie dinnerdance the “One Hundred Most Influential Atlantans” and their guests. Not only was Sam one of those honored, of course, but he also was serenaded by Melanie, an accomplished singer now living in Sarasota, who performs under the name of Melanie Massell and All That Jazz. She had no trouble finding the party, since her wedding to John Jacobs took place at the hotel nineteen years ago. Sam’s renowned cousin, philanthropist and real estate executive Steve Selig, was also hon- Steve Selig ored at the Georgian Melanie and Sam, with Doris looking on Terrace’s centennial event. Sam was quick to note that the historic property was once owned by Irvin and Marvin Goldstein, who, “If they were still alive today, would be there, too.” HANNUKAH WITH THE GOVERNOR. The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) celebrated Hannukah at a huge, sold-out celebration at the Marietta home of Larry and Martha Miller. Governor Nathan Deal was the special guest speaker. The Governor and Mrs. Deal were enthusiastically received, and he gave a stirring speech, talking of the Jewish people’s long and irrepressible fight for freedom. “Hannukah speaks to us of the character of the Jewish people, of their amazing courage in the face of persecution, of their refusal to accept oppression and defeat, and their commitment to worship God as they saw fit—even at the cost of their own lives,” he observed. Other notable guests included Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens; Secretary of State Brian Kemp; State Senators John Albers and David Shafer; and Dr. Emily Lembeck, Marietta City Schools superintendent, who was just named Georgia Superintendent of the Year. Attorney General Sam Olens As RJC Chairman Chuck Berk observed, “Our members were overwhelmed with Governor Deal...his warmth and sincere affection and concern for Israel, his attention to addressing key issues facing Georgia, and the generous time he and his wife, Sandra, spent with us.” Governor Deal discussed his visit to Israel and how important it is to see the country. “Until you do, you really don’t understand how important the Golan Heights are to Israel’s safety.” Governor & Mrs. Deal (center), with (from left) Georgia Senator David Shafer, host Larry Miller, Georgia Senator John Alber, Israeli Consul General Opher Aviran, Rabbi Yossi New, and Bonnie and Chuck Berk ADOPT AN ANGEL PROGRAM. One December night, seventeen years ago, as she tells the story, twelve-year-old Amy Sacks Zeide was watching TV, flipping through the channels, when she paused at a local news story. She was distressed to see that someone had stolen all the presents from an Atlanta homeless shelter just before their annual holiday party, leaving the children with nothing for their Christmas. Amy was devastated that anyone could steal from those who have so little. But the more she thought about it, her initial sense of despair began to give way to activism, and Amy was determined to make sure that during the holiday season, disadvantaged children in Atlanta would have a chance to celebrate and to be celebrated. Thus was “Amy’s Holiday Party” born. That next year, in 1995, Amy donated her time and the money she received from her bat mitzvah to create a mitzvah of her own—throwing a holiday party for children at a local Atlanta shelter. What began with 25 children, help from close family and friends, and a budget of a few hundred dollars has now blossomed into an annual community event. Last year, Amy, a new mom, hosted over 700 children and their families from homeless shelters, foster care systems, and refugee centers, with the help of some 400 Atlanta teens who volunteered at the event. As always, Amy’s Holiday Party brought joy to underprivileged children and the teen volunteers alike, providing everyone “an opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated.” Amy is also grateful to her wonderful sponsors—Kids II, Baby Room, Carter’s, Mellow Mushroom, Flying Biscuit, Atlanta Bread Company, The Defoor Centre, Vibe Entertainment, and Aaron’s—for generously donating a multitude of food, toys, clothes, space, and services. Amy is the perfect example of how one person can make a real difference. If you’re interested in volunteering for, sponsoring, or donating to Amy’s organization, Creating Connected Communities, e-mail Amy@cccprojects.org, or visit www.cccprojects.org. Amy celebrates with a child at her Holiday Party JEWISH HOME HONORS DULCY ROSENBERG AND JERRY HOROWITZ. The William Breman Jewish Home’s 2011 Golden Gala at The InterContinental Buckhead Hotel was a huge success, with over 700 people attending, and raising more than $700,000 for The Home. Sure, the entertainment by The Capitol Steps was great, but people showed up in See HAPPENING, page 6
Page 1 and 2: By Bradford R. Pilcher Why host a J
Page 3: January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GE
Page 7 and 8: January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GE

January-February 2012 - The Jewish Georgian

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?